Tangle Refresher 84

In the Zentangle® Method we often refer to the phrase “Anything is possible, one stroke at a time.™”

Through the Zentangle Method many people who thought “I’m not an artist,” are surprised, delighted and sometimes overwhelmed to discover they are, “One stroke at a time.”

This singular focus on each stroke is part of the deliberate process of the Zentangle Method of mindfully creating unplanned, abstract art. Mindfully … creating … unplanned … abstract … art.

In their classes CZTs will frequently encourage you to draw each and every stroke deliberately, taking time to savor and appreciate each delicate line of ink on the tile. Slowing down and focusing on each stroke is part of the “process” in the artistic meditation aspects of the Zentangle art form.

Among its many pleasurable benefits, there is another very good reason for slowing down as you draw.

In The Book of Zentangle, Rick and Maria write: “Give yourself more time to draw each stroke. The fine motor skills you use for typing or texting are different from the ones you use to draw. Let your muscles get used to drawing.”

In the relentless (dare I say mindless?) rush of our electronic world, it seems we need to be reminded to give ourselves time. Time to disconnect. To be still. To be quiet. To enjoy solitude. To be deliberate in our thoughts and actions. To be deliberate one stroke at a time.

And to be ever so grateful for this wonderful journey.

The Tangle Refresher series, aka Buried Treasure, spotlights hidden tangle gems from the past. It can remind you of patterns you might not have used for a while or introduce you to some you haven’t come across yet.

Here are five more tangle pattern gems and a Tangle Refresher from a year (or two) ago for your tangling pleasure. Remember to check out the “More Good Stuff” links below too. Zenful tangling!

BTW as you visit these tangles please Tweet or “like” them on Facebook so they get shared with a wider audience. Sharing links are below. Thanks!

Find more tutorials on TanglePatterns by visiting the TUTORIALS tab on the pink alphabetic menu bar

Find a CZT near you – the link to the list of Certified Zentangle Teachers is located in the left sidebar of the site under the heading SOURCE WEBSITES. Interested in becoming a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT®)? Here’s more information.

Enhance your Zentangle experience ...

NEW! TanglePatterns.com TANGLE GUIDE, 2019 Edition

The newest and 8th Edition of my TanglePatterns.com TANGLE GUIDE. This instant-download 72-page (40 MB) interactive digital eBook contains all the tangles on the site from May 2010 through December 31, 2018. Containing over 1,000 tangles, it's a must-have tool for using the site.

"Linda, Thank you! I was relying on too few and getting stuck after 3 years of daily working with Zentangle. This has inspired me to ‘begin again’ with renewed excitement." ~ Barbara R.

See the BOOK REVIEWS page for more details on its features and view a sample page.

Visit the STORE > E-BOOKS page for more information and support TanglePatterns.com by getting your copy now!

NOW AVAILABLE IN SOFTCOVER: This is the only Zentangle book you'll ever need: the fabulous Zentangle PRIMER Vol 1. It's your CZT-in-a-book by the founders of Zentangle®! Visit the STORE tab on the top menu bar or click on the image. For more about the content and to read the rave reviews, visit the BOOK REVIEWS tab.

"Absolutely the best Zentangle Book yet! As an accomplished artist I used to think I did not need instruction on this art form. How wrong I was! My tangling improved by leaps and bounds after reading this book. If you think you have Zentangle down then you need this book more than ever!" ~ Kris H

Another great jump-starter for new tanglers is the original Official Zentangle Kit. The Kit includes all the supplies you'll need to get started properly: Sakura Micron Pens, Zentangle Tiles, pencil, sharpener, tortillion, a booklet and an instructional DVD by co-founder Maria Thomas. Click on the image for more information about the Kit and its contents.

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